Lothal gets India’s First National Maritime Heritage Complex

Gandhinagar : Lothal, a pivotal site in this ancient legacy, is poised for a transformative journey. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister  Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, aims to honour and showcase India’s 4,500-year-old maritime heritage. 

With the foundation stone laid in March 2019, the NMHC is envisioned to be one of the largest maritime complexes in the world. The project will be completed in two phases, each designed to enhance the visitor experience and educational impact. 

The phase 1A of the NMHC is underway, with over 60% completed. It will feature the NMHC museum, including six galleries, one of which will be dedicated to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard—expected to be one of the largest in the country. This gallery will display naval artefacts such as the INS Nishank, a Sea Harrier aircraft, and a UH3 helicopter. Additionally, Phase 1A will include a model of the ancient Lothal township, an open aquatic gallery, and a jetty walkway. Completion is set for 2025, with an estimated cost of ₹1,238.05 crore, funded by contributions from Major Ports, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Culture.

In phase 1B, eight more galleries to the NMHC museum will be added, along with a lighthouse museum, planned to be the tallest in the world. It will also include the Bagicha complex, offering parking for around 1,500 vehicles, a food hall, and a medical centre. The lighthouse museum, with a projected cost of ₹266.11 crore, will be funded by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).

Meanwhile, under phase 2 of the NMHC, it will include Coastal States Pavilions, built by the coastal states and union territories. It will also feature a hospitality zone with maritime-themed eco-resorts and a Museuotel, along with a recreation of ancient Lothal for an immersive visitor experience. A maritime institute and hostel will be added, along with four theme parks: Maritime & Naval, Climate Change, Monuments, and Adventure & Amusement Parks, all designed to deepen understanding of maritime heritage.

The Cabinet has granted initial approval for future phases of the NMHC, with a strategic plan for its development. These phases will be funded through voluntary contributions, and execution will depend on securing the necessary funds. A separate society, led by the Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, will oversee the project’s future phases. Phases 1A and 1B will follow the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, while Phase 2 will use a land subleasing and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach to establish NMHC as a world-class heritage museum.

The NMHC development is set to create around 22,000 jobs, with 15,000 direct and 7,000 indirect opportunities. Beyond driving economic growth, it will benefit local communities, tourists, researchers, scholars, government bodies, educational institutions, cultural organizations, environmental groups, and businesses, creating a dynamic ecosystem. The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal is a landmark project to honour and preserve India’s maritime heritage.